Description
Get ready for a flavor explosion! This Hot Honey Feta Chicken takes tender, juicy chicken breasts and coats them in a sweet-and-spicy honey glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it bakes. The creamy, tangy feta topping ties everything together, creating a dish that’s both comforting and restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself to something special, this recipe will hit every craving you didn’t even know you had.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (add more if you like it fiery!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
Instructions
1. Mix up the magic marinade.
Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the honey, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until everything comes together into a smooth, glossy mixture. Give it a quick taste test—want it spicier? Add more chili flakes. Prefer it a little sweeter? Drizzle in a touch more honey.
2. Marinate that chicken.
Toss the chicken breasts into a resealable bag or a shallow dish and pour the marinade over top. Make sure every piece gets a good coating. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and pop it into the fridge. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes—though if you’ve got time, a couple of hours will make the flavors sing even louder.
3. Prep the feta topping.
While the chicken soaks up all that deliciousness, mix up your topping. In a small bowl, combine the crumbled feta with just a drizzle of olive oil, a small pinch of salt, and a dash of black pepper. Stir it gently until it’s creamy and fragrant. You can even toss in some chopped fresh herbs like dill or basil if you’re feeling fancy.
4. Time to bake!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the chicken out of the fridge, letting the extra marinade drip off, and discard the leftover liquid. Arrange the chicken breasts in a baking dish, spacing them out evenly. Spoon the feta mixture over each piece, spreading it like a thick, savory blanket.
5. Cook to perfection.
Slide the baking dish into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The feta should be bubbling and slightly golden. If you want a bit more color, switch on the broiler for the last couple of minutes—but keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
6. Rest and serve.
Once the chicken’s done, remove it from the oven and let it rest for about five minutes. This helps keep it extra juicy. In the meantime, set up your serving plate—maybe a bed of arugula or a side of roasted veggies. Slice up the lemon into wedges for that bright, zesty finishing touch.
7. Garnish and enjoy.
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top, drizzle with any pan juices, and dig in while it’s still warm and melty. Every bite is a mix of sweetness, spice, and creamy goodness—you’ll be obsessed.
Notes
- Marinate overnight if you want deeper, more developed flavors.
- Want that smoky, charred flavor? Grill the chicken instead of baking it—just keep an eye on the feta so it doesn’t overcook.
- Feeling adventurous? Swap the feta for goat cheese or even a sharp white cheddar for a fun twist.
- Serve it with couscous, quinoa, or roasted veggies to soak up every drop of that honey-chili glaze.